A Family Connection

At first, the thought of leaving home to go to college was a little
frightening to Ashley, but her older brother who graduated from WIU
paved the way.

"I knew that I could have the same amazing experience at Western that
he had. Once I came to visit WIU I knew that Macomb would be my home
away from home for the next four years. Little did I know then that
Western would mold me into the individual I am today, and prepare me for
a successful future that, at the time, I did not know I was capable
of."

Choosing agriculture as her major was also second nature as Ashley
hails from a farm family.

"I could not ask for a better education for my major. Western's
School of Agriculture is top-notch. I love going to class each day
knowing that my teachers are so engaged in their careers and are
standing up talking about something they are passionate about. It really
shows how much they not only care, but how much they truly want me as a
student to succeed."

A Unique Place to Call Home

Ashley notes that while Western has 12,000 students, she feels as if
she knows everyone.

"It is just an 'at home' feeling campus. The involvement of the
faculty, staff and students is unbelievable. Nearly everywhere you look
at WIU someone wants you to get involved and make the most of the
college experience."

Activities, Activities and MORE Activities

With more than 250 registered on-campus student organizations,
whether it's intramural sports, student government, an academic honorary
or a fraternity or sorority, Western offers something for every
student. And Ashley has taken advantage of several of those
opportunities.

On the Greek Life side of the house, she currently serves as
Panhellenic Council treasurer, Rho Lambda Honors Sorority treasurer,
Greek Week treasurer, Greek Life recruitment counselor and is an active
member of her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. But her involvement doesn't end
there. Ashley is also the student services director for the Student
Government Association, the Agriculture Business Club president, the
Alpha Zeta Agriculture Honors fraternity vice president and serves as a
recruiter for the agriculture department through Ag Vocators.

"Extracurricular involvement is what makes the college experience.
With all of the activities I am involved it, each has impacted me in a
positive way and molded me into who I am today. The leadership
opportunities are endless at WIU."